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Cosplay Bullying Project
This is one of the problems I see often in the cosplay community. These are very good tips. Follow all of them when you're facing a bully whether it be a cosplay bully, a normal bully at school, or even one over the net.
It's okay to get help! Just because you want to try and deal with this on your own, you can always talk to others! I'm here for anyone who just wants someone to talk to, even if it's not about the problem, I can at least try and cheer you up!
Everyone should take a look at this and read everyone's story/messages linked in Crystal Rose Creations gallery folder: Cosplay Bullying Project. Mine are included. The cosplay that I chose to represent with my answers was by far the most liked photo in my gallery and I feel that Jack is also a good character to support against bullying because he's a guardian, of course!
Cosplay Bullying Tip #1: Don't blame yourself. Know that it’s not your fault. What people call “bullying” is sometimes an argument between two people. But if someone is repeatedly cruel to you, that’s bullying and you mustn’t blame yourself. No one deserves to be treated cruelly. Do not blame yourself. No matter what someone says or does, you should not be ashamed of who you are or what you feel.
Cosplay Bullying Tip #2: Don’t respond and don't retaliate. Sometimes a reaction is exactly what aggressors are looking for because they think it gives them power over you, and you don’t want to empower a bully. As for retaliating, getting back at a bully turns you into one – and can turn one mean act into a chain reaction. If you can, remove yourself from the situation.
Cosplay Bullying Tip #3: Save all of the evidence. The only good news about bullying online or on phones is that it can usually be captured, saved, and shown to someone who can help. You can save that evidence in case things escalate. [Visit Connect Safely for instructions on how to capture screens on phones and computers.]
Cosplay Bullying Tip #4: Reach out for help – especially if the behavior’s really getting to you. You deserve backup. See if there’s someone who can listen, help you process what’s going on and work through it – a friend, relative or maybe an adult you trust.
Cosplay Bullying Tip #5: Use available tech tools and resources. Most social media apps and services allow you to block the person. Whether the harassment’s in an app, texting, comments or tagged photos, do yourself a favor and block the person. You can also report the problem to the service. That probably won’t end it, but you don’t need the harassment in your face, and you’ll be less tempted to respond. If you’re getting threats of physical harm, you should call your local police (with a parent or guardian’s help) and consider reporting it to school authorities.
Cosplay Bullying Tip #6: Take action, help others. If someone you know is being bullied, take action. Just standing by can empower an aggressor and does nothing to help. The best thing you can do is try to stop the bullying by taking a stand against it. If you can’t stop it, support the person being bullied. If the person’s a friend, you can listen and see how to help. Consider together whether you should report the bullying. If you’re not already friends, even a kind word can help reduce the pain. At the very least, help by not passing along a mean message and not giving positive attention to the person doing the bullying.
Here's my answers to Crystal Rose Creations cosplay bullying survey in which I partook. The photo representing my answers is my Jack Frost cosplay. What better character to support against cosplay bullying than the notorious guardian of fun?
1) Have you ever been bullied?
Not really saying that I have, but I guess I never really noticed it as a form among the whispers and gossip that went around on campus. I was always the socially awkward and quiet one in middle and high school, but fun and loud in my small group of friends who were also as nerdy as I was. I've most likely had jokes being made and snarky comments behind my back, I know for sure.
I bought my first yukata and given a lolita dress (a present from my aunt) in eighth grade and clearly remember wearing both the day after I got them. The normal comments that I caught from time to time never really seemed to bother me like "Hey, samurai girl." or "Isn't it a bit early for Halloween?"
I made my first cosplay my sophomore year by the help of my animation teacher who was also the representative for the anime club and made two more the years after for the Halloween contests. I remember hearing about comments from my group that other students mistook my giant bow from my Shirahime (Angelic Layer) cosplay for me being pregnant. I never really understood why even to this day. I know there must have been talk about my Dorie (Magical Doremi) and Ichigo (Tokyo Mew Mew) cosplay, but never heard any of it or I guess I don't really remember anything.
When I started my cosplay page I received negative comments about my breast size and I felt it was unnecessary and uncalled for. Someone once told me to get implants soon to become cosplay famous and another told me that I wasn't a real cosplayer because my bust wasn't a C cup or higher.
Yes, I have a small chest, so what! I don't see a problem with it. Sorry, but what you see is what you get. Having a small chest only broadens my horizons on cosplay to where I don't have to always cosplay a girl. I can cosplay a guy if I wanted to, so I have to say it's quite beneficial.
2) Have you ever witnessed someone being bullied? If you have, did you do anything to help out the victim?
Yes, I have during my school years and online. I confronted the bully, gave them my two cents, then tended to the one who was bullied by giving them some positivity, reassurement, as well as gaining a friend in the process.
3) How has the bullying affected who you are today?
Personally, I think it's made me more of an assertive person, one that can easily go up to someone and defend my opinion and what I've got to say. I don't run away and I won't back down from an argument until I've won, until I've gotten some sort of justice out of it. One of my closest friends, back then, told me to grow a backbone or I'd get trampled over because she thought I was too nice and I'm guessing she could see a side of me that was vulnerable.
4) How did you overcome the bullying? Or how did you cope?
I'm a happy-go-lucky person, so I can't really stay angry or sad for long. It'll have a small affect me for a while, but then I easily get over it by occupying my time elsewhere or with someone.
5) What advice do you have for others who are bullied?
Cosplay is a hobby that's meant for everyone to have fun and express a creative outlet from their everyday lives. Keep cosplaying no matter what people might say! Be happy with yourself. If you're happy, then that's all that matters.
People who bring others down have either jealousy, low self esteem, or might have something else going on in their life. Just be sincere to those people, kill them with kindness if you will, because you're the bigger person. Hold your head up high an be proud of who you are.
It's okay to get help! Just because you want to try and deal with this on your own, you can always talk to others! I'm here for anyone who just wants someone to talk to, even if it's not about the problem, I can at least try and cheer you up!
Everyone should take a look at this and read everyone's story/messages linked in Crystal Rose Creations gallery folder: Cosplay Bullying Project. Mine are included. The cosplay that I chose to represent with my answers was by far the most liked photo in my gallery and I feel that Jack is also a good character to support against bullying because he's a guardian, of course!
<——–(o...O...o)——–>
Cosplay Bullying Form #1 - RACISM:
Whether you're African American, Hispanic, Caucasian or anything in between - we are all people! We all have emotions, feelings, ambitions, needs, just like everyone else! Two arms, two legs, one head.
If you were to cut yourself, you will bleed red just like everyone else does. There is no evidence that "Caucasians" or "Hispanics" or whatever are any different genetically than anyone... else.
If anything, the proof demonstrates we are 99.999% the same! People are people and race/ethnicity has no bearing on anything other than skin color. Just because your skin tone is lighter or darker, that does not make you any different from another human being.
This all applies to Cosplay. If you wish to Cosplay Jack Frost but you're a much darker skin tone, feel free to Cosplay him. A characters race should not matter.
As long as you're happy and you have love for the character, why should race matter? Darkening or lightening your skin tone to Cosplay a character you have a passion for is NOT racist!
***However, performing Blackface is incendiary, insensitive and racist. Blackface represents a time when white Americans would put dark paint on their faces and act out incredibly racist and offensive stereotypes about African Americans.***
Whether you're African American, Hispanic, Caucasian or anything in between - we are all people! We all have emotions, feelings, ambitions, needs, just like everyone else! Two arms, two legs, one head.
If you were to cut yourself, you will bleed red just like everyone else does. There is no evidence that "Caucasians" or "Hispanics" or whatever are any different genetically than anyone... else.
If anything, the proof demonstrates we are 99.999% the same! People are people and race/ethnicity has no bearing on anything other than skin color. Just because your skin tone is lighter or darker, that does not make you any different from another human being.
This all applies to Cosplay. If you wish to Cosplay Jack Frost but you're a much darker skin tone, feel free to Cosplay him. A characters race should not matter.
As long as you're happy and you have love for the character, why should race matter? Darkening or lightening your skin tone to Cosplay a character you have a passion for is NOT racist!
***However, performing Blackface is incendiary, insensitive and racist. Blackface represents a time when white Americans would put dark paint on their faces and act out incredibly racist and offensive stereotypes about African Americans.***
Cosplay Bullying Form #2 GENDER:
In Cosplay, Gender doesn’t matter! It doesn’t matter what your biological gender is, or what gender you identify yourself as.
If you are a male and you want to Cosplay a Disney Princess, then do it! Put on that sparkly dress and strut around like the beautiful and majestic Princess you are! Sing and be merry! And don’t let anyone tell you differently!...
If you’re a female and you want to Cosplay Ironman from Marvel, do it! Put on his suit and torment the Capsicle! Blast off onto new adventures with The Avengers.
If you're Trans, all this applies to you as well! Do what makes you happy! Cosplay who you want! Be who you want to be!
In Cosplay, Gender doesn’t matter! It doesn’t matter what your biological gender is, or what gender you identify yourself as.
If you are a male and you want to Cosplay a Disney Princess, then do it! Put on that sparkly dress and strut around like the beautiful and majestic Princess you are! Sing and be merry! And don’t let anyone tell you differently!...
If you’re a female and you want to Cosplay Ironman from Marvel, do it! Put on his suit and torment the Capsicle! Blast off onto new adventures with The Avengers.
If you're Trans, all this applies to you as well! Do what makes you happy! Cosplay who you want! Be who you want to be!
Cosplay Bullying Form #3 AGE:
Age does not matter at all. You're never too old or too young to Cosplay! If you want to Cosplay a character that is not your actual age or in appearance, then do so! You should not feel held back by being younger or, older than the character you're trying to portray!
However, if the costume for the character you wish to Cosplay isn't child appropriate, you can make modifications to the costume to fit your child's needs! Instead of a v-neck shirt/dress, use a crew neck! Instead of showing actual skin, use fabric to match your skin tone!
If you want to take cosplaying to the next level, you can modify your physical appearance with makeup, prosthetics and masks! That's perfectly fine!
Age does not matter at all. You're never too old or too young to Cosplay! If you want to Cosplay a character that is not your actual age or in appearance, then do so! You should not feel held back by being younger or, older than the character you're trying to portray!
However, if the costume for the character you wish to Cosplay isn't child appropriate, you can make modifications to the costume to fit your child's needs! Instead of a v-neck shirt/dress, use a crew neck! Instead of showing actual skin, use fabric to match your skin tone!
If you want to take cosplaying to the next level, you can modify your physical appearance with makeup, prosthetics and masks! That's perfectly fine!
Cosplay Bullying Form #4 WEIGHT:
Weight does not matter in Cosplay. Even if you're under or over weight. If you wish to Cosplay a character who’s body image doesn’t match your own, then do it regardless!
However, many people who have a serious passion for a muscular character, such as Superman, some will try to get into shape! And there is nothing wrong with that! Our heroes are our motivation! But if you do go on di...et or try to improve yourself, please do it safely! Your health is more important then Cosplay!
But if image and accurate is really important to you, some men do wear muscular suits to help improve their image for a character. And there is no shame in that!
Some women do use spandex slimmers to have more slim curves. Some even wear corsets. And there is nothing wrong with that either!
But keep in mind, if you are waist training with a corset, please follow all directions carefully and talk to your health care provider to make sure waist training is right for you. See More
Weight does not matter in Cosplay. Even if you're under or over weight. If you wish to Cosplay a character who’s body image doesn’t match your own, then do it regardless!
However, many people who have a serious passion for a muscular character, such as Superman, some will try to get into shape! And there is nothing wrong with that! Our heroes are our motivation! But if you do go on di...et or try to improve yourself, please do it safely! Your health is more important then Cosplay!
But if image and accurate is really important to you, some men do wear muscular suits to help improve their image for a character. And there is no shame in that!
Some women do use spandex slimmers to have more slim curves. Some even wear corsets. And there is nothing wrong with that either!
But keep in mind, if you are waist training with a corset, please follow all directions carefully and talk to your health care provider to make sure waist training is right for you. See More
Cosplay Bullying Form #5 HEIGHT:
Height does not matter. Anyone who values physical accuracy is into Cosplay for the wrong reasons! First and last of all it's about fun! The fun of playing one of your favourite characters!
If you wish to Cosplay Bilbo Baggins but you're 6' feet tall, DO IT! If you want to Cosplay the Hulk but you're 4' feet tall, then DO IT! Who cares? It's all about YOU and your comfort! ...
But if image and accuracy is really important to you, some Cosplayers do wear platforms to make themselves taller.
However, keep in mind when using platforms and high heels that you know the risks! Wearing high heels or platforms that are too big for you or just right can severely damage your ankles, heels and calves if you wear them for long periods of time. Take breaks in between photoshoots and conventions.
Height does not matter. Anyone who values physical accuracy is into Cosplay for the wrong reasons! First and last of all it's about fun! The fun of playing one of your favourite characters!
If you wish to Cosplay Bilbo Baggins but you're 6' feet tall, DO IT! If you want to Cosplay the Hulk but you're 4' feet tall, then DO IT! Who cares? It's all about YOU and your comfort! ...
But if image and accuracy is really important to you, some Cosplayers do wear platforms to make themselves taller.
However, keep in mind when using platforms and high heels that you know the risks! Wearing high heels or platforms that are too big for you or just right can severely damage your ankles, heels and calves if you wear them for long periods of time. Take breaks in between photoshoots and conventions.
Cosplay Bullying Form #6 ACCURACY:
Nothing in this world is perfect. Everything has a flaw. And our flaws is what makes us unique. Same goes for Cosplay. No Cosplay is 100% accurate or perfect in any way. Because there is no such thing as perfect.
There will always be a dent in the armour, the sewing won't be 100% stable, the fabric won't be the right color, the cowls and masks won't fit quite right, the symbols might be crooked. And THAT'S OKAY!
Remeber, sometimes we can not make a Cosplay as "accurate" as we want it to be due to funds. Money is what makes the world go around. Sometimes, we have to make due with what we have, and there is NO shame in it!
Nothing in this world is perfect. Everything has a flaw. And our flaws is what makes us unique. Same goes for Cosplay. No Cosplay is 100% accurate or perfect in any way. Because there is no such thing as perfect.
There will always be a dent in the armour, the sewing won't be 100% stable, the fabric won't be the right color, the cowls and masks won't fit quite right, the symbols might be crooked. And THAT'S OKAY!
Remeber, sometimes we can not make a Cosplay as "accurate" as we want it to be due to funds. Money is what makes the world go around. Sometimes, we have to make due with what we have, and there is NO shame in it!
<——–(o...O...o)——–>
Cosplay Bullying Tip #1: Don't blame yourself. Know that it’s not your fault. What people call “bullying” is sometimes an argument between two people. But if someone is repeatedly cruel to you, that’s bullying and you mustn’t blame yourself. No one deserves to be treated cruelly. Do not blame yourself. No matter what someone says or does, you should not be ashamed of who you are or what you feel.
Cosplay Bullying Tip #2: Don’t respond and don't retaliate. Sometimes a reaction is exactly what aggressors are looking for because they think it gives them power over you, and you don’t want to empower a bully. As for retaliating, getting back at a bully turns you into one – and can turn one mean act into a chain reaction. If you can, remove yourself from the situation.
Cosplay Bullying Tip #3: Save all of the evidence. The only good news about bullying online or on phones is that it can usually be captured, saved, and shown to someone who can help. You can save that evidence in case things escalate. [Visit Connect Safely for instructions on how to capture screens on phones and computers.]
Cosplay Bullying Tip #4: Reach out for help – especially if the behavior’s really getting to you. You deserve backup. See if there’s someone who can listen, help you process what’s going on and work through it – a friend, relative or maybe an adult you trust.
Cosplay Bullying Tip #5: Use available tech tools and resources. Most social media apps and services allow you to block the person. Whether the harassment’s in an app, texting, comments or tagged photos, do yourself a favor and block the person. You can also report the problem to the service. That probably won’t end it, but you don’t need the harassment in your face, and you’ll be less tempted to respond. If you’re getting threats of physical harm, you should call your local police (with a parent or guardian’s help) and consider reporting it to school authorities.
Cosplay Bullying Tip #6: Take action, help others. If someone you know is being bullied, take action. Just standing by can empower an aggressor and does nothing to help. The best thing you can do is try to stop the bullying by taking a stand against it. If you can’t stop it, support the person being bullied. If the person’s a friend, you can listen and see how to help. Consider together whether you should report the bullying. If you’re not already friends, even a kind word can help reduce the pain. At the very least, help by not passing along a mean message and not giving positive attention to the person doing the bullying.
<——–(o...O...o)——–>
Here's my answers to Crystal Rose Creations cosplay bullying survey in which I partook. The photo representing my answers is my Jack Frost cosplay. What better character to support against cosplay bullying than the notorious guardian of fun?
1) Have you ever been bullied?
Not really saying that I have, but I guess I never really noticed it as a form among the whispers and gossip that went around on campus. I was always the socially awkward and quiet one in middle and high school, but fun and loud in my small group of friends who were also as nerdy as I was. I've most likely had jokes being made and snarky comments behind my back, I know for sure.
I bought my first yukata and given a lolita dress (a present from my aunt) in eighth grade and clearly remember wearing both the day after I got them. The normal comments that I caught from time to time never really seemed to bother me like "Hey, samurai girl." or "Isn't it a bit early for Halloween?"
I made my first cosplay my sophomore year by the help of my animation teacher who was also the representative for the anime club and made two more the years after for the Halloween contests. I remember hearing about comments from my group that other students mistook my giant bow from my Shirahime (Angelic Layer) cosplay for me being pregnant. I never really understood why even to this day. I know there must have been talk about my Dorie (Magical Doremi) and Ichigo (Tokyo Mew Mew) cosplay, but never heard any of it or I guess I don't really remember anything.
When I started my cosplay page I received negative comments about my breast size and I felt it was unnecessary and uncalled for. Someone once told me to get implants soon to become cosplay famous and another told me that I wasn't a real cosplayer because my bust wasn't a C cup or higher.
Yes, I have a small chest, so what! I don't see a problem with it. Sorry, but what you see is what you get. Having a small chest only broadens my horizons on cosplay to where I don't have to always cosplay a girl. I can cosplay a guy if I wanted to, so I have to say it's quite beneficial.
2) Have you ever witnessed someone being bullied? If you have, did you do anything to help out the victim?
Yes, I have during my school years and online. I confronted the bully, gave them my two cents, then tended to the one who was bullied by giving them some positivity, reassurement, as well as gaining a friend in the process.
3) How has the bullying affected who you are today?
Personally, I think it's made me more of an assertive person, one that can easily go up to someone and defend my opinion and what I've got to say. I don't run away and I won't back down from an argument until I've won, until I've gotten some sort of justice out of it. One of my closest friends, back then, told me to grow a backbone or I'd get trampled over because she thought I was too nice and I'm guessing she could see a side of me that was vulnerable.
4) How did you overcome the bullying? Or how did you cope?
I'm a happy-go-lucky person, so I can't really stay angry or sad for long. It'll have a small affect me for a while, but then I easily get over it by occupying my time elsewhere or with someone.
5) What advice do you have for others who are bullied?
Cosplay is a hobby that's meant for everyone to have fun and express a creative outlet from their everyday lives. Keep cosplaying no matter what people might say! Be happy with yourself. If you're happy, then that's all that matters.
People who bring others down have either jealousy, low self esteem, or might have something else going on in their life. Just be sincere to those people, kill them with kindness if you will, because you're the bigger person. Hold your head up high an be proud of who you are.
<——–(o...O...o)——–>
Interview With CONNECTED
CONNECTED contacted me in my Deviant Art inbox stating that they've selected me as a candidate for a feature on their page. I gladly accepted. I was told to email at least fifteen photos and answer the questionnaire that was emailed back to me. Their questions and my answers are down below.
1) When and how did you get started in cosplay?
Middle school, I believe was seventh grade in 2004 when I bought my first yukata. It's violet adorned with flying cranes and I currently still have it hanging up in my closet.
2) What was your first Cosplay?
Dorie from Magical DoReMi. My first time actually making a costume with some assistance by my animation teacher. This was back when I was in high school. My sophomore year, 2007. If I remember correctly, I placed second in the Anime Club's costume contest.
3) What was the most difficult character?
I haven't really ran into any difficult characters yet, but I will end up with one that will most likely involve elaborate armor pieces and weapons.
4) What characters are you planning for the future?
Akira Souma from Meganebu, a Jack Frost inspired Lolita coord, an Attack on Titan inspired Lolita coord, the duelist from Aura Kingdom, and gender bent Shino Aburame, hopefully to be completed some time soon.
5) Are there any helpful hints in sewing, costume design or any other aspects of your cosplay that you discovered in doing your creations?
I can't successfully sew a garment nor make armor because my knowledge is minimal, but I've been attending several workshops to boost my skills. Even though I can't necessarily sew, there's other ways to join garments together. My first kimono that I made three years ago was put together with Stitch Witchery tape, and iron-on adhesive strip. I've found that it's very long lasting, durable, and machine washable. There's many ways to put together or arrange a cosplay even with the items that reside in our closet.
6) Do you have a preferred brand of make up in your cosplay? And if so why?
I have really sensitive skin, so I break out easily. My makeup has to be really light and not clumped or caked on because it will irritate me all day. I tend to use a lot of MICA Beauty products because of it's long lasting formulas and vibrant pigments.
7) What are you listening to right now?
Let Me Hear - Fear, and Loathing In Las Vegas
Ever since I started watching the anime series Parasyte - The maximum I've been rocking out to this awesome opening.
8) What are your favorite movies?
ROTG and HTTYD of course and all the studio Ghibli films as well as some Chinese, Japanese, and Korean films that include martial arts and horror.
9) Do you have any favorite animes?
Awww, I hate having to choose favorites for anime. I have a lot of favorites and would rather not fill this section with an extremely long list.
10) What are your favorite TV shows?
Basically all the ones that come on Toonami/Adult Swim every Saturday night and the anime series that sometimes show on Boomerang and Nick Toons as well as 90's cartoons.
11) Is there a scene from a anime, cartoon, movie, or TV show that left a big impression on you?
The scene in Rise of the Guardians where Jack Frost sees Jamie's belief fading in the guardians because of Pitch's rein of nightmares. He steps up and creates signs and messages on his window to show that they still exist even though he's invisible to children's eyes. Jamie Bennett finally sees Jack for the first time after it snows in his room and a single snowflake lands on his nose. The expression on Jack's face is just priceless and the emotion he puts forth that he can finally be seen and heard. That scene got to me and hit my feelings hard. To be honest, it made me tear up pretty bad.
12) What types of books do you like to read?
I love dark novels. Anything that has witchcraft, vampires, werewolves, dark fairies, or any sort of macabre magical being. Except for Twilight, that was a horrible series.
13) What games do you play?
Aura Kingdom, Bleach: Shattered Blade, Blazblue: Continuum Shift, Elsword, Pokemon X, League of Legends, Naruto: Clash of the Ninja Revolution 2 and The End of Eternity.
14) What's your preferred beverage?
Coffee with sweet cream, if not that tea. Preferably Earl Grey, Green, and Honeybush Vanilla or if I've had a long day and want to drift off easily I'll have a hot mug of Lavender Dreams. Maybe a bit cream soda every now and then.
15) What's your junk food of choice?
I have a large sweet tooth, so I'd most likely sit with Honey-senpai from OHSHC and join him on all of the yummy cake and pastries from apple stroodle pie with ice cream, German chocolate cake, red velvet cupcakes, caramel cake pops, and many more.
16) What's our favorite type of candy or sweet?
I like a lot of candies, but I favor Ferrero Rocher and See's Candies because it's not often that I receive a box.
17) What's your favorite type of breakfast cereal?
I actually really don't like cereal. I'm more of a hot quality breakfast type of gal.
18) Is there something not going on in the cosplay world that you'd want to see or is there something you'd want to change?
The bullying, the body shamming, and societies stupid status quo that you have to look a certain way to cosplay a character. I want to change all of that, but it can't just be me alone. I'm gonna need a lot of help to accomplish that.
19) What was your favorite toy growing up?
My rocking horses Bucky and Coco. I actually had two growing up and broke both from my growing weight. When I got bored, I'd go into my room and ride and bounce like I was in some sort of race with my music blasting from my cassette player preferably the Pokemon soundtrack or Radio Disney.
20) Who is your biggest character crush and why?
I'd have to say Jack Frost from Rise of the Guardians. He's kind, funny, sweet, laid back, some-what childish, a bit mischievous, and he has lots of conveying emotion, his eyes are so expressive and his hair is wind-blown and makes him an exciting person to be around, but he know when to take things seriously. He follows no rules except for your own, talk back when people try to tell him what to do, and still realize when he's gone too far. He's very powerful, heroic, and confident in his ability to use his powers... and even pull out that bankai he can't explain. What I like most is of who he is as a person. The fact that he's a guardian to his very core. He didn't care for the tittle or interacting with the big four. He originally turned down the position of guardian, but still protected the children and are much closer to them individually then the others. His strong bond with children gives him a very "brotherly" figure quality that I find endearing. He gave up his own life to save his little sister. He loved her and would have done anything for her. I just can't help, but think how admirable that is. He's had to spend 300 years all on his own. Having absolutely no one there for him and having to just live with the fact that no one really cares. But despite all that he still manages to see the bright side in life. Not all the time, but he still had the heart and the strength to go out, have fun, make people happy, and try to live his life the best way he could. I truly admire him for it.
21) You enter an abandon warehouse. There's very little light, but you are able to make out your surroundings and find your way around. The sound of music draws you closer to the corner of the back warehouse. There are FIVE GHOUL CLOWNS, playing a dancing video game. They have razor sharp teeth and deathly weapons. Magic can't affect them, They sense your presence and turn facing you. They run at you to attack. Time to fight! What character would you want to be to defeat them and how would you handle the situation?
I'd be InuYasha. What better way to make a quick victory is to wipe them all out at once with his fabled sword Tetsusaiga. KAZE NO KIZU (WIND SCAR)!
22) If you were chained with a character for one year, what character and what would you do?
That character would be Sebastian Michaelis and I'd most likely make a contract with him in the long run. I'd be nice to have a handsome butler catering to you day in and day out on your every need even though in the end he'll devour my soul.
23) You have dinner with your favorite character. And you may ask one question. Who would be the character be and what's your question?
Ciel Phantomhive also because his butler is one hell of a cook. My question: "What do you do with all of your money and what do you spend it on?"
24) What's the number one thing on your bucket list?
To be a very successful mangaka and/or animator. I'd like to be remembered for my work.
25) What advice would you give to people getting started in cosplay?
This is so important. Everyone starts somewhere. Part of the fun of cosplay is progressing and learning new things. I think something that cosplayers do is compare themselves to someone else. Just be yourself. Don't look at someone else's page, someone else's number of likes, and compare their progress to your own. Don't get frustrated if you aren't at a point that someone else is at. Just go out there and have fun. Enjoy the craft, learn more as you go, and enjoy the ride. I was bad at cosplaying when I first started. I couldn't pose, I couldn't stay in character, I also couldn't do my makeup right and I felt like I was doing something wrong. But when I learned to pose, referenced YouTube and looked other places for makeup tips, and asked my friends how to stay in character. Then it all became natural to me. Just because you feel like you can't do it doesn't mean you should give up on it. Keep trying and pushing yourself. You'll prevail.
1) When and how did you get started in cosplay?
Middle school, I believe was seventh grade in 2004 when I bought my first yukata. It's violet adorned with flying cranes and I currently still have it hanging up in my closet.
2) What was your first Cosplay?
Dorie from Magical DoReMi. My first time actually making a costume with some assistance by my animation teacher. This was back when I was in high school. My sophomore year, 2007. If I remember correctly, I placed second in the Anime Club's costume contest.
3) What was the most difficult character?
I haven't really ran into any difficult characters yet, but I will end up with one that will most likely involve elaborate armor pieces and weapons.
4) What characters are you planning for the future?
Akira Souma from Meganebu, a Jack Frost inspired Lolita coord, an Attack on Titan inspired Lolita coord, the duelist from Aura Kingdom, and gender bent Shino Aburame, hopefully to be completed some time soon.
5) Are there any helpful hints in sewing, costume design or any other aspects of your cosplay that you discovered in doing your creations?
I can't successfully sew a garment nor make armor because my knowledge is minimal, but I've been attending several workshops to boost my skills. Even though I can't necessarily sew, there's other ways to join garments together. My first kimono that I made three years ago was put together with Stitch Witchery tape, and iron-on adhesive strip. I've found that it's very long lasting, durable, and machine washable. There's many ways to put together or arrange a cosplay even with the items that reside in our closet.
6) Do you have a preferred brand of make up in your cosplay? And if so why?
I have really sensitive skin, so I break out easily. My makeup has to be really light and not clumped or caked on because it will irritate me all day. I tend to use a lot of MICA Beauty products because of it's long lasting formulas and vibrant pigments.
7) What are you listening to right now?
Let Me Hear - Fear, and Loathing In Las Vegas
Ever since I started watching the anime series Parasyte - The maximum I've been rocking out to this awesome opening.
8) What are your favorite movies?
ROTG and HTTYD of course and all the studio Ghibli films as well as some Chinese, Japanese, and Korean films that include martial arts and horror.
9) Do you have any favorite animes?
Awww, I hate having to choose favorites for anime. I have a lot of favorites and would rather not fill this section with an extremely long list.
10) What are your favorite TV shows?
Basically all the ones that come on Toonami/Adult Swim every Saturday night and the anime series that sometimes show on Boomerang and Nick Toons as well as 90's cartoons.
11) Is there a scene from a anime, cartoon, movie, or TV show that left a big impression on you?
The scene in Rise of the Guardians where Jack Frost sees Jamie's belief fading in the guardians because of Pitch's rein of nightmares. He steps up and creates signs and messages on his window to show that they still exist even though he's invisible to children's eyes. Jamie Bennett finally sees Jack for the first time after it snows in his room and a single snowflake lands on his nose. The expression on Jack's face is just priceless and the emotion he puts forth that he can finally be seen and heard. That scene got to me and hit my feelings hard. To be honest, it made me tear up pretty bad.
12) What types of books do you like to read?
I love dark novels. Anything that has witchcraft, vampires, werewolves, dark fairies, or any sort of macabre magical being. Except for Twilight, that was a horrible series.
13) What games do you play?
Aura Kingdom, Bleach: Shattered Blade, Blazblue: Continuum Shift, Elsword, Pokemon X, League of Legends, Naruto: Clash of the Ninja Revolution 2 and The End of Eternity.
14) What's your preferred beverage?
Coffee with sweet cream, if not that tea. Preferably Earl Grey, Green, and Honeybush Vanilla or if I've had a long day and want to drift off easily I'll have a hot mug of Lavender Dreams. Maybe a bit cream soda every now and then.
15) What's your junk food of choice?
I have a large sweet tooth, so I'd most likely sit with Honey-senpai from OHSHC and join him on all of the yummy cake and pastries from apple stroodle pie with ice cream, German chocolate cake, red velvet cupcakes, caramel cake pops, and many more.
16) What's our favorite type of candy or sweet?
I like a lot of candies, but I favor Ferrero Rocher and See's Candies because it's not often that I receive a box.
17) What's your favorite type of breakfast cereal?
I actually really don't like cereal. I'm more of a hot quality breakfast type of gal.
18) Is there something not going on in the cosplay world that you'd want to see or is there something you'd want to change?
The bullying, the body shamming, and societies stupid status quo that you have to look a certain way to cosplay a character. I want to change all of that, but it can't just be me alone. I'm gonna need a lot of help to accomplish that.
19) What was your favorite toy growing up?
My rocking horses Bucky and Coco. I actually had two growing up and broke both from my growing weight. When I got bored, I'd go into my room and ride and bounce like I was in some sort of race with my music blasting from my cassette player preferably the Pokemon soundtrack or Radio Disney.
20) Who is your biggest character crush and why?
I'd have to say Jack Frost from Rise of the Guardians. He's kind, funny, sweet, laid back, some-what childish, a bit mischievous, and he has lots of conveying emotion, his eyes are so expressive and his hair is wind-blown and makes him an exciting person to be around, but he know when to take things seriously. He follows no rules except for your own, talk back when people try to tell him what to do, and still realize when he's gone too far. He's very powerful, heroic, and confident in his ability to use his powers... and even pull out that bankai he can't explain. What I like most is of who he is as a person. The fact that he's a guardian to his very core. He didn't care for the tittle or interacting with the big four. He originally turned down the position of guardian, but still protected the children and are much closer to them individually then the others. His strong bond with children gives him a very "brotherly" figure quality that I find endearing. He gave up his own life to save his little sister. He loved her and would have done anything for her. I just can't help, but think how admirable that is. He's had to spend 300 years all on his own. Having absolutely no one there for him and having to just live with the fact that no one really cares. But despite all that he still manages to see the bright side in life. Not all the time, but he still had the heart and the strength to go out, have fun, make people happy, and try to live his life the best way he could. I truly admire him for it.
21) You enter an abandon warehouse. There's very little light, but you are able to make out your surroundings and find your way around. The sound of music draws you closer to the corner of the back warehouse. There are FIVE GHOUL CLOWNS, playing a dancing video game. They have razor sharp teeth and deathly weapons. Magic can't affect them, They sense your presence and turn facing you. They run at you to attack. Time to fight! What character would you want to be to defeat them and how would you handle the situation?
I'd be InuYasha. What better way to make a quick victory is to wipe them all out at once with his fabled sword Tetsusaiga. KAZE NO KIZU (WIND SCAR)!
22) If you were chained with a character for one year, what character and what would you do?
That character would be Sebastian Michaelis and I'd most likely make a contract with him in the long run. I'd be nice to have a handsome butler catering to you day in and day out on your every need even though in the end he'll devour my soul.
23) You have dinner with your favorite character. And you may ask one question. Who would be the character be and what's your question?
Ciel Phantomhive also because his butler is one hell of a cook. My question: "What do you do with all of your money and what do you spend it on?"
24) What's the number one thing on your bucket list?
To be a very successful mangaka and/or animator. I'd like to be remembered for my work.
25) What advice would you give to people getting started in cosplay?
This is so important. Everyone starts somewhere. Part of the fun of cosplay is progressing and learning new things. I think something that cosplayers do is compare themselves to someone else. Just be yourself. Don't look at someone else's page, someone else's number of likes, and compare their progress to your own. Don't get frustrated if you aren't at a point that someone else is at. Just go out there and have fun. Enjoy the craft, learn more as you go, and enjoy the ride. I was bad at cosplaying when I first started. I couldn't pose, I couldn't stay in character, I also couldn't do my makeup right and I felt like I was doing something wrong. But when I learned to pose, referenced YouTube and looked other places for makeup tips, and asked my friends how to stay in character. Then it all became natural to me. Just because you feel like you can't do it doesn't mean you should give up on it. Keep trying and pushing yourself. You'll prevail.
